Description
Cozy Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet featuring tender chicken breast, smoky smoked turkey bacon, fluffy potato gnocchi, and creamy plant-based cheese all simmered in a vibrant, spicy sauce with natural seasonings. This one-pot meal offers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and comforting flavors ideal for any night.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, sliced into small strips
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 1 cup creamy plant-based cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, herbs)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Slice smoked turkey bacon into small strips. Chop bell peppers, onion, and mince garlic. Have all ingredients measured and ready.
- Sauté the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add smoked turkey bacon pieces and cook until slightly crispy. Add chicken bites and sauté until golden and cooked through, stirring frequently.
- Cook the Vegetables: Remove bacon and chicken from skillet temporarily. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic to skillet. Sauté until onions turn translucent and peppers soften slightly.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Return chicken and smoked turkey bacon to skillet. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning blend and stir well to coat evenly. Pour in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar (natural). Stir to combine and deepen flavors.
- Incorporate the Gnocchi and Plant-Based Cheese: Add potato gnocchi to skillet and stir gently. Cook until gnocchi are tender and absorb the sauce. Sprinkle plant-based cheese on top and cover briefly to melt it smoothly into the dish.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust salt or Cajun seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for maximum flavor and comfort.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and quality Cajun seasoning for best flavor.
- Cook chicken and smoked turkey bacon in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper browning.
- Choose fresh or frozen gnocchi for best texture; avoid dried gnocchi to prevent chewiness.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to control spice level.
- Cover skillet briefly after adding cheese to melt gently without burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken gnocchi, one-pot meal, creamy plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, gluten free, spicy skillet
